The Hideaways Club Mike Balfour Breakfast Talk

By: Destination Club News
Date: April 13, 2010

"If I had one wish, and I don't believe in wishes, I wish I'd started my entrepreneurial phase in life earlier."

One of Mike Balfour's favorite sayings, The Hideaways Club Founder and Chairman today presented to his fellow French Chamber Members at a breakfast meeting. Titled "Cultivating Entrepreneurship: Your Road to Success," Balfour discussed his lengthy background in both the destination club industry and sports world.

A Chartered Accountant, Balfour purchased the bankrupt Queens Park Health Club in the United Kingdom in 1992. By early in 1993, the old squash club had re-opened as Fitness First. Flash forward 17 years and Fitness First counts 550 clubs in 21 countries, 1.5 million members, and over 20,000 employees. Based on his success, Balfour has been recognized with several high honors.

• PWC Entrepreneur of the Year
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• O.B.E. by H.R.H Prince Charles for Services to Business

In addition, Balfour will be in Las Vegas later this year to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Health Club Industry, the first time the award has been given to an individual outside of the United States.

From the destination club side, The Hideaways Club received our 2009 International Destination Club of the Year honor for their banner year, showing an increase in their number of shareholders of 85% during a year that saw other clubs cease operations and file for bankruptcy.

Since 2010 began, The Hideaways Club has already procured partnerships with Equity Estates and Banyan Tree Private Collection and have continued the success they enjoyed in 2009.

Based on this success, The Hideaways Club announced a price increase that took effect this month. The club's Premium Share, increased from £235,000 to £245,000, Lifestyle Shares increased from £160,000 to £166,666, and Associate Shares moved from £122,500 to £127,500. Each of the three membership options provides a different number of annual points that can be used throughout the year to make reservations at the club's properties.

One of Europe's leading destination clubs, check back soon for more news on The Hideaways Club and the rest of the destination club industry. If you are considering membership and would like to learn more about the benefits and risks of joining, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.